Growing Achimenes & Related Rhizomatous Gesneriads
(Including Smithiantha, Seemannia, Kohleria, Eucodonia, etc.)
Achimenes and relatives grow from scaled pine-cone like rhizomes, by which they rapidly multiply. They are mostly grown as flowering houseplants, or in containers and in hanging baskets. Plants typically bloom profusely from early summer through fall. Flowering plants do not require deadheading.In late winter, the rhizomes should be potted (if not already) 3/4” deep in loose well draining, potting medium, typically 3-5 rhizomes per 5” pot More for hanging baskets or larger pots. Likewise, use larger pots for those with larger rhizomes. Lightly watered and kept in warm 70F semi-humid conditions. Within a couple weeks they will be seen sprouting.While not necessary, a early pinch of these new sprouts (just above the first set of leaves) will encourage branching and make for fuller plants with greater numbers of flowers later. If so inclined, these pinched stems can be treated as cuttings and rooted to start additional plants.Plants are best grown in very bright, indirect light (4000 - 5000 foot candles). Constant feed of 200 ppm nitrogen fertilizer gives great results. Two Cautions: Be sure to water with warm or tepid water to avoid leaf spotting. Also, never let the pots completely dry out during the growing season - doing so simulates their seasonal dry rest and may trigger premature dormancy.As their long season of bloom winds down, they will naturally start to senesce (foliage yellows and dies back). At this point, one should start withholding water. The drier root system will accelerate the plant into dormancy.Once dormant, the dead tops may be cut off and discarded. At this point one has a couple options. 1). Store the pots as is - completely dry - and only resume watering after the requisite rest period is complete. OR…. 2) Unpot and clean the rhizomes, tossing old potting media, and storing the dry bare rhizomes until ready to replant. Personally, I vastly prefer this latter method as it gives me the opportunity to assess how well the new rhizomes have developed and, because the rhizomes are bare and cleaned, it ensures that they are dry. In addition, tossing the old and using fresh media the following season seems to be a healthier way to grow.Dormant rhizomes must be stored in dry conditions, typically for a minimum of 5 weeks. (but up to five months if kept dark and coolish - between 45 to 60F).